Scutaro has been hitting in batting cage

ATLANTA -- Marco Scutaro has resumed taking batting practice, possibly indicating that the Giants' second baseman is progressing in his recovery from a strained lower back.

Scutaro has remained at the Giants' training complex in Scottsdale, Ariz., attempting to strengthen the back that sidelined him for all but one game in the Cactus League season.

Giants vice president and assistant general manager Bobby Evans conveyed the Scutaro update on Marty Lurie's show on KNBR-AM (680), the Giants' flagship radio station. Evans said he believed that Scutaro hit in a cage last week from Monday through Thursday.

Previous reports on Scutaro's condition revealed that he was participating in baseball-related activities but little else.